Apple appears to be preparing a new Apple TV 4K after an image file for an unreleased “Apple TV 4K (4th generation)” model was discovered.
The image shows the same overall design as the current Apple TV 4K, but the rumored hardware changes are much more significant. The next model could bring an A17 Pro or newer chip, 8GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 7, Siri AI support and a revised Siri Remote.
The New Apple TV 4K Looks The Same
The leaked image identifies the device as an “Apple TV 4K (4th generation)” and shows an exterior that looks the same as the current model.
Apple has not announced the new Apple TV 4K or confirmed the image. The current model was announced in October 2022 and uses an A15 Bionic chip with 4GB of RAM.
A17 Pro And 8GB Of RAM Are Rumored
The next Apple TV 4K is rumored to use an A17 Pro chip or a newer processor.
An A17 Pro would be a major jump from the current A15 Bionic and supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing for games.
The new model is also rumored to have 8GB of RAM, compared with 4GB in the current Apple TV 4K. The additional memory could support more demanding features, including Siri AI and other Apple Intelligence capabilities.
Wi-Fi 7 Could Be Another Upgrade
Apple is also rumored to be preparing its N1 wireless chip for the next Apple TV. The chip could add Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.
Wi-Fi 7 can use the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz bands together with compatible hardware, giving the Apple TV higher theoretical wireless bandwidth than the Wi-Fi 6 connection in the current model.
Actual speeds will still depend on the router, internet connection and other network conditions.
Siri AI Could Be The Biggest Change
Siri AI is expected to be one of the main reasons for the hardware upgrade.
Apple is reportedly working on a Siri app for tvOS 27, with the more advanced Siri AI features expected to require newer hardware. The move to 8GB of RAM could also allow the Apple TV to handle other Apple Intelligence features.
Apple has not confirmed which Siri AI features will be available on Apple TV.
A Revised Siri Remote Is Also Rumored
A new Siri Remote could arrive with the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K.
Details about the remote are limited, and it is not clear whether Apple plans to change its design, controls or other hardware.
The New Apple TV Could Cost More
Apple raised the prices of the current Apple TV 4K in June. The 64GB Wi-Fi model now starts at $199 in the U.S., while the 128GB Wi-Fi + Ethernet model starts at $249.
It is not known whether Apple will keep those prices for the new model.
The leaked image does not reveal when Apple plans to announce the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. October has traditionally been a month when Apple introduces new products, so more details could emerge before the end of the year.
(via MacRumors)
